Standing the test of time
Looking back on 20 years in the industry, two things stand out for Graph general manager Ross Howard - the buildings and the people.
As a builder, there's the pride that comes with the many fine constructions Graph has been involved with, and as a person, it's been the quality of people he's worked with over the years who have been fundamental to the company's success, now and into the future.
Maitland Riverlink Building, a part of the Levee project, stands out as a recent example of the diversity of buildings which Graph delivers.
Riverlink recently took out the 2018 Blueprint Awards - an international architecture and design awards program convened by bimonthly British magazine Blueprint.
Riverlink architects CHROFI took out the category for Best Public-Use Project With Public Funding.
In the process it topped projects such as Maersk Tower in Copenhagen, London Bridge Station in London and Tanderrum Bridge in Melbourne.
Graph worked with Maitland City Council to build Riverlink.
"Councils do not usually build exceptional pieces of modern architecture, and especially in a heritage zone," Maitland City Council general manager David Evans said.
"Graph very successfully delivered the architect CHROFI's and the Council's vision for the building within a busy shopping and commercial area.
"Relationships with the local business community and minimising disruption to the City Centre were front of mind for Graph throughout construction.
"The design features of the building, its many intended uses, and the exceptionally high quality of finishes required, were respected, and professionally interpreted and delivered by Graph.
"I have no doubt that the partnership between Graph, CHROFI and Council has delivered a landmark building for our City Centre, and importantly, a multi-functional connection between the river and High Street that will be a focus of conversation and activity for many years."
Among many other honours, Riverlink was also awarded the 2018 NSW Architectural Medallion at the Australian Institute of Architects NSW awards.
The Medallion honours an exemplary project across all awards categories. Riverlink also won the Public Architecture award, and the Blacket Prize for design excellence in a regional context.
"Riverlink has won so many awards its not funny and so to be involved in the project has been really pleasing," Mr Howard said.
"It kind of typifies not only what Graph is capable of in terms of build and scope, but also how we go about delivering it.
"We've also worked with Maitland City Council to deliver the Maitland Aquatic Centre Indoor Pool and we have just teamed up again to construct the Maitland Regional Athletics facility which gets underway on Monday."
This type of ongoing relationship is another foundation of Graph's success and can be traced back to the people who work for the company and the culture they adhere to.
"People work with us by choice," Ross said.
"We have many long-term employees including accountants, project managers, site managers and labourers.
"They are talented and they all contribute to our success.
"We have a great, well-balanced team. Everyone has a job to do and nobody is afraid to ask a question.
"I enjoy working with a talented and diverse group of people of different ages and skillsets, all of whom will contribute to the company's future."
